Lately I feel more comfortable wearing thin bralettes than bra with underwire or foam lining. Maybe because it is summer and everything is just too hot. Then I noticed that Evie la Luve has just launched some new patterns, one of them is this Willow bra.

The pattern package includes 5 different looks, including wraparound style and longline style, with sizing from XXS to XXL. Usually I prefer to use pattern with band and cup sizing but I have had success with Evie la Luve’s panties patterns so I’d like to give this a try.

This is a very good pattern package with complete tutorials for each style with aesthetically pleasing pictures and clear explanation. One thing that I like about Evie la Luve’s pattern is that she always gives exact suggested length for the elastic instead of just ‘stretch slightly while sewing’.

I like reading tutorials from each pattern maker as it shows how they organize their thoughts and put them into words. Sometimes the way a tutorial is presented can rub me off the wrong way that it keeps me from working with the pattern, I really like how Evie la Luve presents her tutorials though.

Having said that, I didn’t really follow the tutorial for this pattern… but it’s because I already have my own flow of works. The pattern has 1 cm seam allowance that I trimmed into my usual 0.6 cm seam allowance. I also didn’t line the fabric as suggested. The seamlines are simply serged and topstitch to one side.

The fabric is actually from a pair of leggings that I made a couple of years ago but rarely wear. It’s lycra fabric with under the sea themed digital print.

I was very happy with the result so I wanted to make a matching panties. This time I use the bottom part of Mimi bikini pattern. As you can see, this is a swimwear pattern so I didn’t follow the tutorial either. But if you want to make a bikini for swimming, the tutorial for this pattern is really great.

Actually I made the black one first as a muslin. I wore it and liked it a lot that I continued making the second one. I can see more of this bralette in the future as it is so simple and quick to sew!

And here’s how they fit on my body. My dummy has very small waist, that is why the band on the panties look wrinkled. On me, the fit is better.

I have made three pairs of monpe pants (Japanese work pants) for my husband and he really likes them, so here’s a new pair in denim for him. Sorry for all the phone pictures! We were in Shinjuku and I just snapped some quick pictures of him while we were there.

These pants have elasticated waist, no side seams, right front pocket, and knee patches on the inside. You can read more about it in my first post about these pants.

This time I used denim fabric in medium weight. The fabric is not as stiff as denim fabric for jeans, this is important as the waist is elasticated. You don’t want a bunch of ruched stiff fabric around your waist because it would be uncomfortable! I considered using contrast topstitching for the pants but then decided to make it very simple. Signs of wear will eventually show anyway and the pants will look even better after being worn a lot.

The pattern is from Japanese shop Unaginonedoko, you can contact their email address for purchase in English: u-info@unagino-nedoko.net.

I was browsing the newest collection on Papercut Patterns’ website when I caught the sight of these shorts. The Rite of Spring Shorts is actually from their old collection, it has been around for several years now. Somehow I have never thought of them before. I happened to have some leftover denim that would be perfect… Continue Reading

Papercut patterns has recently launched their new collection, titled ‘Sakura’. OMG have you seen it?? I fall in love with the whole collection and had to restrain myself from buying everything. So far I have gotten these two top patterns, Aomori twist top and Kyoto tee. The Aomori twist top has very interesting shaped pattern pieces… Continue Reading

There are several request for the kitten’s post surgery clothes from the last post. Since I had to make more for the shelter, I documented the process for this tutorial. These clothes are meant for female kittens or puppies to wear after they have a surgery, usually spay surgery. For male kittens or puppies, the… Continue Reading

Recently I was asked to make post surgery clothes for (female) kittens from the shelter I often volunteer at. These kittens are being spayed and they need to wear something that prevent them from removing the stitches after the procedure. I don’t have many experiences with kittens so at first I thought that the shelter… Continue Reading

Loooong overdue post! A few months ago I bought a couple of Japanese sewing pattern books called ‘I Love Tops’ and ‘I Love Pants’, both by Yuko Takada. The books feature tops and pants that look pretty casual and comfortable. I’ve been very happy with a couple of tops and one pair of pants that… Continue Reading

Someone sent me a link to a tutorial video on Youtube. And once on Youtube, you know that you’ve got to click all those related videos that look interesting on the side bar. Two hours later I came across a tutorial video on Proper Fit Clothing co. channel for making caps. The tutorial was very good! It… Continue Reading

Have you seen the Spring/Summer 2017 collection: The Playground, from Named Clothing? It is inspired by the practicality and simplicity of childrenwear. I’m all about practical and comfort so I was very excited about this collection. It is launched two days ago and I immediately picked the simplest pattern to make, The Ninni culottes. It is… Continue Reading

My new tote bag! Actually I wasn’t planning to make more bags but then I found this canvas fabric with interesting panel print. One panel is showing a Maneki Neko or Fortune Cat, and the other panel is Mountain Fuji. The print is interesting enough that I want to show it off as much as… Continue Reading